Gordon Jay Gingrich, 77, of Ephrata, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at Manor Care Lebanon after a lengthy illness, in the presence of his family.

He was the loving husband of 54 years to Marie D. (Brucker) Gingrich. Born in Lebanon, he was the son of the late George Gingrich and the late Elizabeth (Shelly) Gingrich.

Gordon graduated from Lebanon High in 1959 and Lebanon Valley College in 1964 with a bachelor of science degree in early education. He was a fifth grade teacher for Eastern Lancaster County School District for 38 years.

As a youth and as an adult, Gordon was passionately involved in Scouting at the unit, district, and council levels. He worked on various summer camp staffs at both local council camps. Gordon was also the first of three generations of Eagle Scouts.

Friends will be received at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Karen Minnich-Sadler officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff at Manor Care for the care Gordon received, as well as the staff and members of Holy Trinity Church for their prayers and support throughout this long process.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Gordon’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org; or to the Holy Trinity Church Building Fund, c/o Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522.

Services under the care of Gravenor Home for Funerals, Ephrata. To send online condolences, visit gravenorhomeforfunerals.com.